Any photo tagged on Instagram with your brand can be shared across your online communities…and should be, if your goal is to build a network of loyal and engaged followers.

Here’s how to enlist your customers’ handiwork as part of yourcreative online marketing strategy:

It Takes a Village

There’s no doubt that creating relevant photos to use online is a time-consuming task for any marketing agenda.

So why not procure photos that have already been taken of your company by the very people that rave about your products or services – your customers?

When someone snaps a photo with Instagram and uses the location tag feature, they can assign the name of your business to that photo.

A simple search on Instagram for your company or brand can lead you to a list of images matching your search criteria.

What kinds of pictures should you use?

Whatever shots could be inspiring or insightful for your fans or followers will work fantastically in your creative online marketing strategy.

Imagine the impact that a gorgeous ocean sunset can have on vacationers, the significance of approved legislation will have to voters, or the impression that a recent landscaping job can give to homeowners.

By sharing branded photos with your other social media channels (with attribution, of course), such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+, you give fans and followers a totally personal perspective – one that is expressed from your customers’ point of view.

It’s one of the best third-party endorsements you can get on the web, besides a positive written review.

Why Sharing is Good for Business

When you distribute a photo from Instagram, it shows that you are paying attention to your customers.

It broadcasts their voice across your medium, encourages further engagement, and builds a more authentic community.

Want something even more creative that will help your online marketing efforts?

Consider commenting on their photo that you just shared – on their Instagram feed. (Be sure to include a link back to your Facebook page where this photo resides.)

That way, you’re not just showing that individual that you’re interested in the photo as a marketing piece, but you’re also demonstrating that you’re here and you’re listening.

When the followers of that user click over to your Facebook, Twitter or Google+ page, it gives you the opportunity to acquire more fans that are interested in your brand. (Because yes, you are that awesome.)

In Summary

Now that you know what to look for on Instagram, hop online and do a search for your brand or business name.

Don’t worry if you don’t find anything yet; start taking your own Instagram snapshots and sharing them across social media channels.

You’ll not only generate high-quality photos that generate interest; you’ll also encourage other fans or followers to do the same.